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Mourning traditions and practices during the late 1800s will be the topic at a meeting of the Androscoggin Historical Society on Tuesday, October 22 at 7 p.m. at the Society’s headquarters on the third floor of the County Building, 2 Turner Street in Auburn.

Beverly Robbins will describe events that began in 1861, when the death of Prince Albert at the early age of 42 plunged Queen Victoria into a deep despair that lasted for the rest of her life and raised mourning to an art form.

In this country, the death of more than 600,000 Americans in the Civil War affected every home. When the war ended, new government agencies were founded to cope with the problem, and 74 national cemeteries were established.

Effects of the war were felt strongly in Maine, which contributed a larger number of combatants, in proportion to its population, than any other Union state. The 1st Maine Heavy Artillery lost 23 officers and 400 men in the war, the most men of any regiment.

Robbins is a member of the Historical Society’s board of directors and is regent of the Mary Dillingham Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution; past President of the Sons of Union Veterans Auxiliary, Haskell-Marston Camp; a charter member of the Joshua Chamberlain Chapter, Daughters of the Union; and has worked with the Third Maine Reenactors. She and her husband, John, run the Hope Haven Gospel Mission in Lewiston.

The meeting is open to the public without charge. Donations will be accepted. An elevator is available. For more information, call 784-0586.

Beverly Robbins portrays a grieving widow of the Civil War period. Robbins will speak on mourning customs of the 1800s at a meeting of the Andro. Historical Society on Tuesday, October 22.